Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the crash of a Bangladesh Air Force jet in Dhaka’s Uttara area.

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday (July 21), Dar wrote, “Deeply saddened at the loss of precious lives due to the crash of an airforce jet over an educational institution in Dhaka. Offer heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

He added, “My deepest sympathies are with the government, its leadership and the people of Bangladesh in this hour of grief.”

At least 20 people, including the pilot, were killed after an F-7 BGI training aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed onto the campus of Milestone School and College in the Diabari area of Uttara around 1:18pm on Monday. 

On the other hand, 171 others were injured and are undergoing treatment at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

The Government of Bangladesh has declared Tuesday (July 22) a national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half-mast across the country and special prayers were held at religious institutions for the victims. Rescue and investigation operations remain underway.

MSK/